Both Liverpool and Atletico Madrid will expect a tough, "intense" Champions League last-16 encounter, says The Reds gaffer Jurgen Klopp.

Ben Spratt

16 December, 2019 21:16 IST

Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone - Getty Images

Ben Spratt

16 December, 2019 21:16 IST

Jurgen Klopp acknowledged Liverpool has a tough Champions League draw against Atletico Madrid, but he pointed out opposite number Diego Simeone would be disappointed to face the holder.

Liverpool topped its group ahead of Napoli and its bid for a second consecutive European crown takes it back to the Wanda Metropolitano - the scene of last season's final - to face dangerous La Liga giant Atletico.

Klopp suggested he anticipated a return to Madrid, while recognition of a testing fixture was tempered by the strength of a last-16 draw containing only clubs from Europe's 'top five' leagues.

"So, really, really good; a good draw, a difficult game like it should be, but I don't think Mr Simeone is running through his living room and is happy that he got Liverpool.

"It will be a tough game. Two teams who are used to playing intense football. Different styles and slightly different organisation, of course, but both are ready for intensity and that makes it pretty tough for both."

Reflecting on the draw as a whole, which saw Premier League rival Manchester City paired with 13-time champion Real Madrid, Klopp added: "I think I said last time that it is somehow the strongest ever last 16 or last eight, but it looks like it becomes stronger and stronger every year."

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